Look here! Plainview merchants ready for tax-free shoppers

BY GAIL M. WILLIAMS | Herald Lifestyles Editor

Published 12:57 pm, Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Photo: Christian Gooden

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Isaiah Bush, 7, of Cedar Hill, browses the children's options of shoes at Famous Footwear store in Fenton, Mo., August 9, 2012. The shoe retailer has invested much energy in back-to-school shoppers. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT) less

Isaiah Bush, 7, of Cedar Hill, browses the children's options of shoes at Famous Footwear store in Fenton, Mo., August 9, 2012. The shoe retailer has invested much energy in back-to-school shoppers. (Christian ... more

Bright new pencils, ink-filled pens, crayons, loose-leaf and folders with pockets and brads, all ready for kids to tote in a brand new backpack on their way back to school in new jeans, T-shirt and sneakers.

One of the best parts of back-to-school is getting to shop for new clothes and supplies. Since 1999, Texas has made it a little easier for parents to foot the bill by declaring one weekend in August tax-free. According State Comptroller Susan Combs, this year Texas shoppers will save an estimated $82.7 million in state and local taxes during the tax-free holiday, Friday-Sunday, Aug. 8-10. The tax-exempt status is on items priced under $100.

“Consider shopping at home,” she said. “There are a lot of options in Plainview, and it helps our merchants tremendously.”

One option for back-to-school supplies is Wayland University Store on the WBU campus.

“The store is open to the general public, and we’re well-stocked with school supplies and backpacks,” said Susie Powell, assistant to the bookstore manager. “We also have some of the books for high school concurrent classes.”

The bookstore is open Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Gebo’s and Tractor Supply are known mainly for farm and ranch supplies. But both stores say they’re ready for weekend shoppers.

“We’re definitely expecting more traffic,” said Kane Cannedy, purchasing director for Gebo’s. “We’ll mainly have shirts, jeans and boots, especially if you’re looking for Western wear.”

Gebo’s will be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

“We do have a busy weekend planned,” said Krystal Luera, assistant manager at Tractor Supply. “Our sales ad goes up Wednesday (today) and carries on through the weekend.”

In addition to T-shirts, jeans and boots, accessories such as shoes, gloves, socks and belts will also be on sale. The store is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.

Whether your kids are casual or dressy, Masso’s in downtown Plainview is ready.

“We feel we have an ample stock for whatever comes on tax-free days,” said owner Jacob Masso. “We have jeans, tops and bottoms, all that’s required to dress a kid, but some of the kids can wear men’s clothing. If they want to be real dressy, we have casual pants and shirts.”

Masso says the store does a brisk business in boots, from tots to teens. They’re open from 9:30 am.-6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

Elvia Rodriguez, store manager at Cato Women’s Clothing, said she’s ready to do brisk business this weekend, “and I’m hoping to. We had a good weekend last year, but our sales were a little down due to Excel’s (Cargill’s) closing. I’m hoping this year will be a lot better.”

Cato carries women’s clothing as well as girls’ clothing in sizes 7-16. They’re open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Clearance items will be marked down further Sunday afternoon.

Angela Flores, supervisor at Burke’s Outlet, also mentioned last year’s Cargill plant closing. “After that, everyone started staying in town,” she said. “We’ve been having back-to-school sales since the last week in July, and we’ve been going over budget. A lot of people are doing their school shopping early.”

On Friday, Burke’s will offer an extra 15 percent off for those under age 49. They have extended hours from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

“It’s kind of scary,” said Criselda Carillo, assistant manager for the past three years at Bealls Department Store. “Every year is hectic. This year, we’re having our one-day sale Saturday in addition to tax-free weekend.”

Boys and girls, junior and teen clothing will be on sale at Bealls, including backpacks and accessories. Selected shoes will be buy-one, get-one half off.

Morris mentioned that tax-free weekend brings in many people from out-of-town within about a 60-mile radius, including Matador, Quitaque, Tulia, Olton and Turkey. While they’re in town, Morris said, they might also dine at a restaurant, take in a movie, go bowling or even stay overnight in a motel.

“It’s as easy, if not easier, for them to come to Plainview as it is to go to Amarillo,” she said. “We’re asking and encouraging people to come in from out of town.”

For more information on Texas Tax Holiday and which items are tax-exempt and which are not, go to www.TexasTaxHoliday.org.